Yellow Birch

(Betula alleghaniensis)

Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Betula alleghaniensis, commonly known as Yellow Birch, is a deciduous tree native to the moist, cool forests of the Northeastern United States and Canada, including the Great Lakes region and the Appalachian Mountains. It is often found in mixed hardwood-conifer forests, where it thrives on well-drained, acidic to neutral soils. This species is a medium-sized, typically single-stemmed tree that can reach heights of 60–80 feet (18–24 m) with a trunk diameter of 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m), making it the largest North American birch. The Yellow Birch is notable for its distinctive, shiny, yellow-bronze bark that peels in fine horizontal strips, and for its longevity, with typical lifespans of 150 years and some old-growth specimens living up to 300 years.

The tree’s flowers are wind-pollinated catkins that open in late spring, followed by the fruit maturing in fall, consisting of numerous tiny winged seeds packed between the catkin bracts. The Yellow Birch is valued for its bright yellow fall foliage and the ornamental quality of its bark. It is used in landscaping for naturalized areas, as a specimen tree, and for reforestation projects. Gardeners should plant Yellow Birch in full sun to partial shade, ensure consistent moisture, and provide soil with good drainage. While adaptable to a range of soil types, it prefers a slightly acidic pH. It is relatively free of serious pests and diseases, but bronze birch borer can be a problem in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 60-70 feet
Width: 60-70 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Moist, cool forests of the Northeastern United States and Canada, including mixed hardwood-conifer forests, the Great Lakes region, and the Appalachian Mountains

Other Names

Common Names: Golden Birch , Swamp Birch , Gelb-Birke , Merisier , Bouleau Jaune , Bouleau Des Alléghanys , Bouleau Merisier , Merisier Blanc , Merisier Jaune , Gulbjörk

Scientific Names: Betula alleghaniensis , Betula lutea , Betula alleghaniensis var. alleghaniensis , Betula alleghaniensis var. macrolepis , Betula lutea var. macrolepis , Betula alleghaniensis f. macrolepis , Betula lutea f. fallax , Betula lutea var. alleghaniensis , Betula lutea f. macrolepis , Betula alleghaniensis var. fallax

GBIF Accepted Name: Betula alleghaniensis Britton